Senior Computational Chemist

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Hybrid work option

Training and resources

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior Computational Chemist to advance drug discovery, catalyst design, and materials science using quantum chemistry, MD, and cheminformatics.

You will collaborate with experimental chemists and engineers, design workflows, mentor juniors, and contribute to state-of-the-art research in a modern facility with strong computational resources.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years post-PhD or industry experience in computational chemistry.
• Expertise in quantum chemistry methods (e.g., DFT) and molecular modeling.
• Proficiency with Gaussian, Schrödinger Suite, AMBER.
• Strong programming skills in Python and Perl for scripting and data analysis.
• Experience with cheminformatics and molecular databases.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform quantum mechanical calculations to predict molecular properties and reactivity.
• Run molecular dynamics simulations to study system behavior at atomic level.
• Develop cheminformatics approaches for virtual screening and QSAR modeling.
• Collaborate with experimental chemists to guide synthesis and validation.
• Design efficient computational workflows and evaluate new software.
• Analyze large simulation datasets and extract meaningful insights.
• Effectively communicate complex results to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to the scientific growth of the group.

Skills

Quantum chemistry

Molecular modeling

Python

Perl

Cheminformatics

Data analysis

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry or related field

Tools

Gaussian

Schrödinger Suite

AMBER

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading chemical research and development company situated in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, is seeking an experienced Senior Computational Chemist to enhance its innovative research capabilities. This pivotal role involves utilizing advanced computational methods to design and predict the properties of new molecules and materials. You will be a key contributor to drug discovery, catalyst design, and materials science projects. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics, and cheminformatics, coupled with practical experience in applying these skills to solve complex industrial problems. You will collaborate closely with experimental chemists and engineers to guide synthesis and validation efforts. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on impactful projects in a state-of-the-art facility in Richards Bay, contributing to advancements that shape industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform quantum mechanical calculations (e.g., DFT, ab initio) to predict molecular structures, energies, and reactivity.
• Conduct molecular dynamics simulations to study system behavior at atomic and molecular levels.
• Develop and apply cheminformatics approaches for virtual screening, QSAR modeling, and data analysis.
• Collaborate with experimental chemists to design synthetic routes and interpret experimental results.
• Design and optimize computational workflows for efficiency and accuracy.
• Evaluate and implement new computational chemistry software and methodologies.
• Analyze and visualize large datasets generated from computational simulations.
• Communicate complex computational findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentor junior computational chemists and contribute to the team’s scientific growth.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant post-doctoral or industry experience in computational chemistry.
• Expertise in quantum chemistry methods (e.g., DFT) and molecular modeling techniques.
• Proficiency in computational chemistry software packages (e.g., Gaussian, Schrödinger Suite, AMBER).
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, Perl) for scripting and data analysis.
• Experience with cheminformatics and molecular databases.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for interacting with diverse teams.
• Ability to work effectively in both individual and collaborative settings.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses and opportunities for professional advancement.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Employees benefit from paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Access to advanced computational resources and ongoing training is a key feature of this role.
• The company fosters a dynamic and innovative work environment, encouraging scientific curiosity and collaboration.
• Additional perks include wellness programs and potential for hybrid work arrangements to promote work-life balance.